Introduction

Here you’ll find answers to some of the questions that parents often have about this condition. Additional resources are listed
at the bottom of the page. Diagnosis and management information can be found in the Autism Spectrum Disorder module, which is written for primary care clinicians but also may be of help to parents and family members.

What is autism and what causes it?

No one knows for sure what causes autism. Recent studies suggest a strong genetic basis for autism -- up to 20 sets of genes
may play a part in its development. You can find a comprehensive review of the genes known to be associated with ASDs here:
Autism (OMIM). Genetics alone, however, can not account for all the cases. There may be possible environmental origins, as well as other
triggers. Autism Speaks FAQ

Children with ASDs demonstrate impairment in all of the three developmental domains affected in autism spectrum disorders:
communication and social interactions, interests and activities, and stereotypical behaviors.

What are the symptoms of autism?

Some children on the autism spectrum form particularly strong connections to a caregiver and experience severe anxiety and
disruptive behavior when separated from this attachment figure. Some children with autism will seek and enjoy interactions
with other individuals; it is the atypical quality of these interactions that is characteristic of autism.

How is it diagnosed?

Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed by a clinician or team of clinicians who specialize in child development. These providers
may include pediatricians, child psychiatrists, psychologists, and speech and language pathologists. A diagnosis is made when
a detailed history and careful observation of a child's behavior and interaction patterns indicate that he or she meets criteria
for an autism spectrum disorder.

What is the prognosis?

Services from the Early Intervention Part C Program have been shown to mitigate the behaviors associated with autism. For some, these treatments have proven to be very successful,
helping kids on the spectrum lead a full and active life. Autism Speaks FAQ

What is the risk for other family members or future babies?

Current data suggest that the likelihood of having a child with autism if the biological parents already have one child with
autism is at least 1/20. Autism Program at Yale

What treatments/therapies/medications are recommended or available?

There are data to indicate that the best intervention for autism/PDD is early intensive intervention that utilizes behavioral
methods and speech and language therapy to remediate specific deficits. Autism Program at Yale

How will my child and our family be impacted?

The impact on your child and family will depend on the severity of the diagnosis and the services and resources your child
has available to him/her. In addition to good health care, quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment and
positive support from family, friends, and the community are critical to optimizing functional outcomes.

Are vaccines to blame for autism?

Researchers have not found a link between the vaccinations and autism, a finding supported by organizations such as the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization. These agencies
agree that there is no evidence to support the argument that vaccines – specifically thimerosal-containing vaccines – cause
children to develop autism. Autism Speaks FAQ

Our pediatrician is concerned about our child’s development and has recommended a formal autism evaluation. Would there be
any harm in waiting to see if he outgrows his language and social delays?

Yes. Research has shown that children on the autism spectrum have the best outcomes when they are identified early and receive
appropriate behavioral, language, and educational interventions.

My child is receiving special education services with an Asperger or PDD-NOS diagnosis, will these services continue or do
we need to get re-evaluated?

Your child should continue to receive special education services until his or her eligibility expires. At that time, the school
is required to perform a re-evaluation to determine the best classification under which the child should be served.

Resources

Information & Support

Where can I go for further information?

For Parents and Patients

Support

Autism Parent Focus Group ( 22 KB)Read what parents of children with autism have to say about getting a diagnosis, the impact on siblings, where parents get
information, and the financial impact on families. The transcript is from a focus group in July 2009 in Utah.

Center for Parent Information and Resources (DOE)A large resource library related to children with disabilities. Parent Centers in every state provide training to parents
of children with disabilities and provide information about local conferences, support groups, and finding schools and other
local services; Department of Education, Office of Special Education.

AspergerLifeA good site for basic information for parents and physicians about Asperger's Disorder, written by a clinical psychologist
in Michigan.

Asperger Syndrome (MedlinePlus)From National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, the site offers many links to high-quality sources of
information for patients and their families. The Asperger's page is short.

Autism (MedlinePlus)From the National Library of Medicine & National Institutes of Health, offers a brief overview and numerous links to high-quality
sources of information for patients and their families.

Autism Information Center (CDC)Parent-oriented information regarding autism spectrum disorders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with
focused information on early warning signs and vaccines and autism.

Autism Society of AmericaThe ASA promotes autism awareness and is dedicated to providing information regarding research, treatment, advocacy, and family
support throughout the lifespan.

Autism SpeaksA national organization dedicated to promoting autism-related research. The web site provides information regarding fundraising
for specific research projects as well as general parent information regarding autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Speaks - Technology and Autism Communication applications for those with autism spectrum disorders. For individuals with autism, some new technologies can
improve communication, assist in the development of social skills, and enhance the ability to learn.

Autism WatchPart of QuackWatch, an online "Guide to Quackery, Health Fraud, and Intelligent Decisions." Provides reliable information
and links about proposed causes of autism and treatments, and lists of reliable and not reliable web sites for more information.

Sesame Street and AutismWith the help people who live with autism, families of kids with autism, and people who serve our autism community, the makers
of Sesame Street have created a nationwide autism initiative. This initiative is a way to help people better understand autism
and offer families ways to overcome common challenges and simplify everyday activities. The website has helpful videos, stories,
and printable daily routine cards for social experiences.

Autism Program at YaleInformation about autism spectrum disorders (ASD), pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and Asperger's syndrome with links
to research and resources.

Autism Research InstituteInformation about autism, autism research, free webinars for parents and professionals, and other resources.

Interactive Autism Network FAQInformation about the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) diagnosis, the history of the diagnosis, the benefits of having a diagnosis,
the difference between screening and assessment, and more. Updated 2014.

Patient Education

100 Day Kit (81 pgs) (Autism Speaks)Downloadable family-oriented guide from Autism Speaks. Offers an overview of ASDs and aims to help parents organize and prioritize
their approach to seeking services for their child. Practical information is provided emphasizing advocacy and family support.
Several forms are available to assist in the organization of medical records and tracking the effectiveness of treatments.

100 Day Kit, Spanish (84 pgs) (Autism Speaks)Family-oriented guide, in Spanish, from Autism Speaks, downloadable from the linked site. Offers an overview of ASDs and aims
to help parents organize and prioritize their approach to seeking services for their child. Practical information is provided
emphasizing advocacy and family support. Several forms are available to assist in the organization of medical records and
tracking the effectiveness of treatments.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Every Parent Needs to Know (AAP)An invaluable resource for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
(320 pages). Prepared under the editorial direction of two distinguished pediatricians who are autism experts, this book helps
you understand how ASDs are defined and diagnosed and provides information on the most current types of behavioral and developmental
therapies. Available from the American Academy of Pediatrics bookstore for $14.95 ($11.95 for members).